Cruise & Maritime Voyages specialise in providing no fly cruising holidays with a traditional British cruise experience. We believe these vessels offer a more leisurely and friendly 'home from home' style of cruising and maritime experience combining attentive and friendly service with stylish entertainment, delicious cuisine, daytime activities, and guest speaker and craft programmes on most sailings. The Marco Polo is a very comfortable ocean liner with a wide range of public areas and deck spaces in which to relax.

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CRUISE & MARITIME: BRITISH ISLES DISCOVERY CRUISE 2018

13 DAYS

Beautiful landscapes, rich heritage, ancient traditions and interesting cultures are the treasures waiting to be discovered on this circumnavigation of the British Isles. It’s a wonderful opportunity to step ashore on our more remote islands, visit far-flung towns and villages and uncover tales of fascinating folklore. The Emerald Isle and charming Honfleur add something special to what promises to be a memorable cruise.

INCLUDES

DURING YOUR STAY

Day 2 – At Sea – Whilst at sea make the most of Marco Polo’s five lounges, Jade Wellness Centre or perhaps get involved in some of the daytime activities on board. The ship also offers a swimming pool and three whirlpools to enjoy.

Day 3 - Invergordon, Scotland (United Kingdom) - Situated on the shores of the deep Cromarty Firth and with a fine natural harbour, Invergordon is a key port with an important naval history stretching back through two World Wars. The small, yet modern town is a charming coastal gateway to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and has incredible scenery that forms a stunning backdrop to the romantic castles and historic battlefields.

Day 4 - Kirkwall, Orkney Islands (United Kingdom) - The capital of the amazing Orkney archipelago, the Royal Burgh of Kirkwall sits almost exactly in the centre of Mainland, dividing the island into East and West. The magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, a legacy of the town’s rich Viking heritage, dominates Kirkwall’s skyline. In its shadow, the town is a cluster of grey stone buildings lining narrow, flagstone streets.

Day 5 - Stornoway, Outer Hebrides (United Kingdom) - Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is today the main town on the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The charming town is situated around a bustling harbour and has a range of local specialist shops selling handcrafted goods from the Outer Hebrides including jewellery and the famous Harris Tweed. The traditional ways of life are still very much in evidence and the beautiful Isle of Lewis is considered the heartland of the Gaelic culture. It is also home to some of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland including the Neolithic Callanish Stones and Pictish Carloway Broch.

Day 6 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull (United Kingdom) - Established in the late 18th century as a fishing port, Tobermory is one of the prettiest ports in Scotland. The picture-postcard village has a large natural harbour where colourful boats bob on the waves watched over by a rainbow of brightly, painted buildings backed by woodland-fringed hills. Tobermory is the capital of the Isle of Mull. Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides and its diverse landscape ranges from high mountain and wild moorland, to wave-lashed sea cliffs and sandy beaches. Neighbouring Iona is the tiny island where St Columba first brought Christianity to Scotland in 563 AD.

Day 7 -Dublin (Republic of Ireland)- The capital of the Emerald Isle is, with its friendly locals, fascinating history, legendary literary tradition and charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, a city of unforgettable character. It lies on the east coast of Ireland along the banks of the River Liffey. Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, Trinity College and the beautiful square St Stephen’s Green lie south of the Liffey, whilst the glorious Custom House, majestic Four Courts and famous General Post Office add grace to Dublin’s Northside. Crossing the river the high-arched Ha’penny Bridge is one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks.

Day 8 - Cobh (Republic of Ireland) - Lying at the mouth of the River Lee, Cobh has one of the best natural harbours in the world. Known as Queenstown until 1922, it was the departure point for thousands of Irish emigrants to America and the last port of call of the Titanic. The ‘Queenstown Story’ is a wonderful exhibition telling of this rich maritime history. From Cobh’s waterfront, streets lined with brightly coloured houses climb the steep slope of a hill, which is crowned with the imposing St Coleman’s Cathedral. A charming little town, Cobh is a gateway to the city of Cork and excursions to Ireland’s legendary Blarney Castle.

Day 9 - St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly (United Kingdom) - Britain’s only island archipelago, the magical Isles of Scilly lie just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall. St Mary’s, the largest of the five inhabited islands, is a delight with white sand beaches, tranquil waters and stunning seascapes. The attractive village of Hugh Town, considered the ‘capital’, is the hub of the islands’ activity.

Day 10 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey (Channel Islands) - For over 800 years Castle Cornet has stood guard over St. Peter Port. The attractive town is a delight with cobbled streets, steep stairways and alleyways winding their way down between the houses to a picturesque waterfront of grey and white stone buildings. Guernsey is geographically closer to France, yet loyal to the British crown, and this is reflected in the wonderful Anglo-French ambience around the town. The second largest of the Channel Islands has a wonderful coastline with beautiful bays, and pastoral scenery that includes the handsome, much-prized Guernsey dairy cows. The tax-free haven is perfect for duty-free shopping.

Day 11 - Honfleur (France) - Over the years many renowned painters and writers have been attracted to pretty Honfleur, which with its narrow, half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and charming old harbour set in a sheltered cove off the Seine’s tidal estuary, is simply enchanting. Unlike many of its Normandy neighbours, Honfleur was spared during the bombing of World War Two and nestled in its tidy, picturesque streets historic buildings house art galleries, artists’ studios, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and fine souvenir shops.

Day 12 – At Sea

Day 13 - Sail back to Hull, arriving back at 07.30am where the coach will be waiting to take you back home.

PLEASE NOTE SKILLS HOLIDAYS ACT PURELY AS AN AGENT FOR CRUISE & MARITIME. PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME.